[Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Concerns exist regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination safety and efficacy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
• Limited publications address this specific patient demographic.
• This review synthesizes available data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in this population.
• To consider the impact of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on vaccine response.

Main Methods:

• Literature search for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine types, approval status, and data in MS patients.
• Analysis of existing evidence and expert recommendations.
• Focus on messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines.

Main Results:

• No specific safety or efficacy data for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in MS patients were found.
• Evidence suggests mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are as safe in MS patients as in the general population.
• Some immunosuppressive therapies may reduce vaccine effectiveness, necessitating strategic timing.

Conclusions:

• mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis.
• For patients on fingolimod, cladribine, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, and rituximab, vaccination prior to DMT initiation is advisable when feasible.